Pune FC sign Australian James Meyer

Pune, Aug 13 (IANS) Pune Football Club completed their foreign-player line-up by adding Australian attacker James Meyer for the upcoming season.

Meyer's inclusion makes him the second player from Down Under at the club over the years, apart from bringing along the experience of being part of two-time A-League champion side Brisbane Roar. Last season, Pune FC signed on-loan striker Boima Karpeh.

Twenty-seven-year-old Meyer, who signed under the Asian-quota, joins Douhou Pierre (Ivory Coast) and recently signed Raul Fabiani (Spain) and Calum Angus (England) as the four overseas players in the Pune squad.

Meyer, who completed formalities at the club on Monday, said: "It's a new challenge and I am up for it. First and foremost I would like to help the team be successful. Personal goals are secondary, but I would like to score as many goals as possible."

"The I-League is a growing league and quality foreigners are needed. Hopefully, I can bring something to Indian football and teach the local kids what I know."

Sydney-born Meyer, who is comfortable playing on either wing or in attack, began his career at Brisbane City FC as a youngster in the 2005-06 season. The following season he made the journey to Europe and had stints with Irish side Bohemian FC (2006-07) and German top-flight side Hertha Berlin (2007-08).

After spending two seasons in Europe, he returned to his native land Australia and signed up for Queensland State League side Brisbane Olympic FC (2008).

At the start of 2010, Meyer joined Eastern Suburbs FC plying trade in the Brisbane Premier League. It was here that he was spotted by Brisbane Roar manager Ange Postecoglou who offered him a trial with the club.

Meyer, known for his pace and versatility to adapt to various positions, officially joined Brisbane Roar ahead of their A-League campaign in June 2010.

In his three years at Brisbane Roars, Meyer won the A-League title in his first season while also helping his team to a runners-up position in the following season. Also known for his ability to score goals from distance, he notched up six league goals in 21 league appearances.

Meyer also brings along continental experience having featured for Brisbane Roar in the AFC Champions League in 2012 and 2013.

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